Why Pascal Deserves a Second Look – TIM COATES
For some reason that’s probably irrational to most people, I have a deep-seated passion for Pascal. It’s the language I keep coming back to, the one I’ve invested time in, and the one I’ve built a lot of knowledge around. Yet, every time I venture into forums like Reddit, I’m reminded that Pascal barely makes the list when people are discussing what programming languages to learn. It’s almost always the same options being recommended—C, Python, or some trendy new framework or JavaScript library that’s gained popularity in web development.
Special Note: When I mention Pascal, I’m including versions like Delphi, Free Pascal, Lazarus, and others that have developed over the years. And regardless of which version you use, these variations of Pascal each bring something unique to the table. Together, they keep Pascal relevant and versatile, offering a range of tools for both new and experienced developers.
Pascal is not new or trendy; it’s practically the antithesis of what most developers are drawn to today. And yet, its age doesn’t make it obsolete or irrelevant. Pascal has a lot to offer, especially to learners. It’s designed with readability and clarity in mind, which makes it excellent for grasping the fundamentals of programming. When we talk about programming fundamentals—like variables, loops, and control structures—Pascal presents these concepts in a way that feels grounded and accessible. For new programmers, Pascal is a structured, disciplined language that teaches you how to think about coding without a lot of distracting complexities.
